Jaded Hearts
Chapter 52

Matt

“You want me to do what?”

“We just need to know if you’d be willing to convince a certain shewolf into working with us,” Kade cryptically said.

“Right. And why can’t one of you four do it?” Tyson asked.

“Uhh …”

“Oh, for f***s sake. Tyson, North River pack was once on good terms with us until I refused to marry their Alpha’s daughter, Claudia. Then a few months ago, I refused to build a couple of hotels for her because she was a b***h to Taylor. They have connections that we may or may not need. We’re not sure yet, but if we do, we’ll need someone who hasn’t pissed her off before to bring her in,” I said.

“And by ‘convince’ and ‘bring her in,’ I’m guessing you aren’t suggesting friendly conversation. And obviously, you’re not asking me to kill her, so that only leaves s*x. You guys want me to f**k this chick for information and connections. Am I right?”

“Not necessarily, but it could come to that. She can be a little frisky,” Xander said with a laugh.

“You could have just said that in the first place.”

“You’ll do it?” I asked.

“Yeah. All this has to do with Drew, right? I told you I’d help you catch him, so if it’s going to get him, then I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

“Thank you, Tyson. If we need you to come in on this, I’ll let you know, but it’s good to know that you’re with us,” Xander stated.

“No problem. I’ve got to go and talk with my contractor, but Kade, get your s**t together, man. That was terrible ‘convincing.’”

When Tyson stood up and left the room, Alexi laughed and turned to Kade. “I like him. He gives you as much s**t as you give the rest of us. Looks like your charm doesn’t extend to the entire Frederick family.”

“f**k all of you. I’m just having an off day. Don’t you worry about me and my charm!”

“Kade, seriously, chill out. You’re an amazing fighter, but no one is perfect. You’ll figure out how to take him down one day; give yourself time to learn.”

Xander knew us like the back of his hand, and it was obvious to him that Kade was not okay with not being able to beat Tyson while sparring. It was throwing him off his game, and we really didn’t need that right now.

“It’s been two months, Xan. Two! I can barely get a clean hit in. Is this a midlife crisis? I swear, if my d**k stops working, just take me out back and shoot me. I couldn’t stand to live anymore.”

“You’re twenty-four, Kade, stop being so damn dramatic. Go replace Morgan and burn off some steam,” I suggested.

He nodded his head and smiled. “That’s one bear I can always take down, back-to-back.” He then stood up and stretched. “I’m feeling much better, gentlemen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

“I’ve got to go too, I’ve got some official ‘Black Enterprises’ work that needs my attention,” Alexi stated.

They both left the room, leaving just me and Xander behind. “How are things going with Taylor? Everything good?” he asked.

“We’re good. Great, actually. We’re just ready for the baby to get here.”

“Yeah, I remember the anticipation. Looking back, it was the best part, right up until you hold them for the first time. Nothing is better than that.”

“I’m looking forward to that, but I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Before she gets here, I want to enjoy some quiet time with my mate, so I planned a nice date for us today. We can’t leave the house, but that doesn’t mean that she should have to be cooped up in the room all day and night.”

“That’s a good idea. You guys won’t get too much alone time once Genesis arrives, so take advantage while you can.”

“Exactly. I need to go and check on a few things I have planned. I want it to be perfect, but I’ll talk to you later.”

“Don’t have too much fun.”

“The doctor’s ruined all my fun for the next month. It will still be a good time, though.”

I hopped up and left, heading for my room. I sent a quick text message on the way, making sure that every detail would be just how I asked. The confirmation came right as I was walking into the room. Perfect.

Taylor was sitting on the couch watching her favorite show Snapped with a huge smile on her face. Her obsession with this show almost worried me.

“Hello, gorgeous, would you do me the honor of going out on a date with me?”

She looked over at me and smiled before nodding her head. “We haven’t been on a date in months. I’d love to! Where are we going?”

“Well, you know you can’t leave the house, Tesoro, but I promise to still make it special.”

“I’m so excited! What should I wear?”

“Alaia and Morgan are on their way to help you get ready now.”

“Now? But it’s not even noon.”

“Yes, now. I’ll come get you when it’s time.” I leaned down and kissed her perfect lips before turning and leaving the room. Step one was complete. Now to make sure everything else fell into place.

* * *

Taylor

“You two know what he has planned, don’t you?”

Alaia and Morgan just smiled at me and continued fussing with my hair and makeup.

“Just give me a small hint. Please?”

“He’s put a lot of effort into surprising you. And because of that, I had him tell me the bare minimum. If I don’t know, then I can’t spoil the surprise,” Morgan said.

“Alaia? What do you know? You’re his best friend and his Luna. You could make him tell you.”

“I could, but I won’t. This is special for him; let him surprise you.”

I was getting nowhere with these two. Where was the loyalty?

“I will tell you this, though. He’s really excited for whatever it is. He’s so sweet, Tay. Kade could learn a thing or two from him,” Morgan said.

“Yeah, right. You love how rough Kade is, but he’s probably sweet to you in his own way.”

“His d**k is sweet, like a long, thick lollipop,” she said with a smile.

“We did not need to know that, Morgan. Seriously,” Alaia scowled.

“Well, I’m sure I’ll be tasting just how sweet he is as soon as we’re done here, judging by the text he just sent me. I’ll keep the specific flavor details to myself, though.”

Alaia just shook her head and laughed. “What is wrong with you two? I never thought I’d ever meet someone as dirty as Kade is, but here you are.”

“Oh, I’m dirtier. Much, much, dirtier.”

We all laughed at Morgan and her antics while they finished up. A few minutes later, I was all set and ready to see what Matt had planned for us. He showed up to the room a few minutes after that with a huge smile on his face.

“Are you ready to go?”

“So ready. Let’s do this.”

He gently picked me up and headed for the stairs.

“I’m really getting spoiled now, babe. Being carried around is so much better than having to walk.”

“I’ll gladly carry you anywhere, but I know you miss your independence. You’ll be more than happy to walk up and down the stairs again once the baby gets here.”

“Maybe, but being in your arms will always be my favorite place in the world.”

He smiled down at me and kissed my nose. “You really do love me, don’t you?”

“Of course I do. It’s impossible not to. You’re perfect.”

“Hopefully, you still think that after seeing what I planned for you. Close your eyes, okay?”

I did as he asked and rested my head against his chest while he continued to walk. I felt him shift my weight and open the door before walking across the yard and setting me down on a really soft cushion and covering my legs with a fluffy, heavy blanket.

“Can I open my eyes now?”

“Uhh, not yet. It’s almost ready.”

A few seconds later, I could hear rain falling all around us and bouncing off the roof overhead.

“Okay, open your eyes, tesoro.”

It was absolutely incredible.

Matt has set up a huge, fancy white tent in the back yard that was filled with fluffy couches, pillows, cushions, and blankets. There were vases in every corner, overflowing with blue orchids, my absolute favorite flower in the world. Soft music was coming from some unknown source, giving the tent a warm, comfortable vibe.

Overhead was a beautiful chandelier that lit up the space with the perfect amount of light, casting a soft glow around the space. It was like a dream.

“I remember you telling me once that you loved the sounds and smells of a fresh rain shower, so I figured this would be the next best thing. Do you like it?”

I couldn’t control the tears that escaped my eyes. “I told you that on our first date! How do you remember that?”

“I remember everything about you, Taylor. You took me to that Chinese spot because you loved their crab rangoon egg rolls. And you were wearing a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, a white tank top, and an olive-green cardigan. The boots made your legs look incredible, and I knew I wanted them wrapped around me every single minute of every single day for the rest of my life. You were perfect in every way.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I loved those boots. f*****g Drew.”

“We’ll get you more. Are you hungry?”

Right on cue, my stomach growled, making Matt smile. He walked over to a small table beside the couch and brought over a steaming plate of Nonna’s gnocchi that I fell in love with when we were in Sicily.

“Yay! How did you get this?”

“My mom knows how to make it too. She gladly whipped some up when I told her you were craving it.”

I went to take a bite but was distracted by the light from the chandelier bouncing off a small object nestled in a cushion on the floor. “What’s that?” I asked, pointing over to it.

“You’re a wolf with an amazing sense of sight, and you’re just now seeing that, huh?”

“There’s a lot going on in here, cut me some slack.”

He reached behind him and picked it up, then kneeled in front of me. “I should have given you this months ago. I actually would have given you one the night we met, but there was the whole werewolf thing we had to get over.”

He opened his hand and revealed the most incredible ring I’d ever seen. The intricate vine-like pattern on the band looked vintage and had tiny emeralds nestled in the leaves. The center stone was a huge four-carat, oval-cut diamond that took my breath away. Add in the halo of emeralds around that, and this ring was complete perfection.

“This was my mom’s ring. She gave it to me at the anniversary party after she met you. She loved you immediately, just like I did. I had the emeralds added to match your eyes.”

“It’s gorgeous, Matt. I’ve never seen anything so flawless in my life.”

“I have.”

I tore my eyes from the ring and met his intense baby blue stare.

“You are flawless, Taylor Adams, head to toe, and I want you to always be mine. I will never love anyone as much as I love you, I will never need anyone as much as I need you, and I will never want anyone else, only you. I want you to have this ring, my last name, and my heart for all eternity. Will you marry me, baby?”

It took me a few moments, but between the deep heavy sobs collapsing my chest, I was able to finally catch a breath and answer him.

“Of course I’ll marry you!”

He flashed me the brightest smile and slid the ring on my finger. It was a perfect fit.

“That was so much less stressful than the first time I asked.”

I laughed and wiped my face. “I was a lot less hormonal the first time. I probably look a mess right now!”

“You’re glowing, and you’re beautiful.”

I pulled his face down to mine and gently placed my lips on his. The k**s we shared in that moment was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I would never get tired of the feeling he gave me. This man was everything to me. Everything and more. He broke the k**s and rested his forehead against mine, and his hands went to my belly. Feeling her dad’s touch, Genesis kicked extra hard in response.

“I think my little girl is hungry, tesoro. How about I get you two fed?”

“Please! The smell of that gnocchi is making my mouth water.”

We sat and ate until we were stuffed, played all my favorite board games, and talked nonstop while the gentle rain fell around us. Even though we never left home, and I couldn’t really move around, it was a perfect date, and I didn’t feel restricted at all.

We were in our own bubble, full of love, laughs, and endless devotion, and I couldn’t have asked for more.